Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a newly approved indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
• ISSHL is characterized by hypoxia in the inner ear structures, including the perilymph, scala tympani, and organ of Corti.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy for treating idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL).
• To review existing literature and randomized controlled trials on HBO2 for ISSHL.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of over 100 publications on HBO2 for ISSHL.
• Analysis of eight randomized controlled trials investigating HBOT for sudden hearing loss.

Main Results:

• Optimal results for HBO2 treatment of ISSHL are achieved when initiated within two weeks of symptom onset.
• Combining HBO2 with corticosteroid treatment yields the most consistent positive outcomes.
• Average hearing gain is 19.3 dB for moderate and 37.7 dB for severe hearing loss, improving deficits to slight/no impairment levels.

Conclusions:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a significant treatment for ISSHL, leading to substantial hearing improvement.
• Early initiation of HBO2 (within two weeks) and combination with corticosteroids enhance treatment effectiveness.
• Improved hearing function through HBO2 markedly enhances patients' clinical and functional quality of life.